Still no caretaker role for VP Leni

Vice President Leni Robredo still will not be “acting President” when President Rodrigo Duterte leaves for a state visit in Vietnam from Sept.28 to 29.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Executive Secretary Salvador Bingbong Medialdea,who is Duterte’s childhood friend and son of former Associate Justice Leo D. Medialdea, will be the country’s caretaker during Duterte’s absence.

When the President is out of the country, a caretaker officer is usually assigned to oversee matters until the President’s return. Usually, the caretaker officer may be the executive secretary, often called the ‘Little President,’ or the Vice President.

Andanar said the President will likely visit some Filipino communities in Vietnam.

“Oo, ang alam ko lang ho ay mayroong naka-schedule tentatively na meeting with the Filipino communities,” said Andanar, adding that the President will likely have several business organizations in his delegation for Vietnam.

Andanar said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez is scheduled to accompany Duterte during the working visit.